R. James "Jim" Latham

Known as “Jimmy” to many, Ralph “Jim” James Latham, was a knowledgeable real estate professional over his 58-year career. He led the Eastern Shore’s top independent real estate brokerages for many decades. The life-long Easton resident passed away due to complications from Parkinson’s disease on January 5. The son of James C. and Josephine P. Latham, Jim was 80. Jim was well-known for his love of the Eastern Shore and his family. He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Margaret (Peggy) Latham, his children, Stephanie, R. “Jamie” James, Jr., and Holly, grandsons James Brandon and Ryan, granddaughter Lily, two sisters, Patricia and Elena, and their families. Peggy asked Jim to a Sadie Hawkins Dance and the rest is history. It was a true partnership, raising three children, along with numerous pets and various horses, and running his own business. Jim and Peggy did some traveling together and their favorite trip was to Alaska. Jim graduated from Easton High School and Goldey-Beacom College’s School of Business before starting his real estate career in 1962 in the family business, Latham Realtors, which had opened in downtown Easton in 1953. Twenty-years-old and a Staff Sergeant in the Maryland Army National Guard, he was home on leave when he sold his first property. By 1968, he had his broker’s license and numerous deals under his belt. He eventually took over as owner/broker of Latham Realtors when his father, James C. Latham retired. As real estate changed on the Eastern Shore, so did Jim. Highlights from his illustrious career include 25 years of various ownership and management with Coldwell Banker, including Coldwell Banker Latham Realtors with offices in Easton, St. Michaels, Cambridge, Salisbury, Denton, and Princess Anne, and later, Coldwell Banker Latham Kagan and Associates. For a number of years, he also owned a Nanticoke Homes (now Beracah Homes) franchise. After a quasi-retirement, Jim began operating as Latham Realty once again before merging with EXIT Realty and briefly joined Benson and Mangold prior to his official retirement in 2021. Jim loved to reminisce about his long career in real estate. He fondly remembered one day especially: July 20, 1969. Not only was it his birthday and the day when man reached the moon, but it was also when he showed the property (and later settled) that would become Martingham in St. Michaels. He and his father then went on to help develop the community. Jim was also instrumental in the development of Easton communities Beechwood, South Beechwood and Charlestown Village, among many others. He proudly served on various committees for the Talbot County Board of Realtors, now Mid-Shore Board of Realtors (MSBR), serving for two terms as president. Jim was chairman of the Real Estate Political Action Committee (RPAC) for Talbot County and RPAC Trustee for Maryland REALTORS® (formerly known as MAR) and RPAC Chairman for two years where he met his goal both years. He spent two terms on the board of directors for the Maryland Real Estate Board along with several MAR committees and was involved in establishing the current state board office. Jim was instrumental in launching the Multiple Listing Services (MLS) in a digital format for Maryland and served as MLS Chairman for seven years where he launched the Talbot board. He also served as president of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce. In 1997, Jim became part owner of Shore Sportsman with his son, Jamie. Also in the late 1990s, Jim renovated the Town Hall Mall in St. Michaels. A two-time Talbot County Realtor of the Year, and recipient of MSBR’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, Jim helped countless people become homeowners. He also served as a mentor to many Realtors starting out and throughout their careers. He enjoyed many pleasurable meals at Hill’s on Dover Street, giving advice and opining on every topic under the sun. Even as his health declined, Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit was actively engaged in fresh business concepts. Jim was engaged with a number of civic organizations over the years, including Easton Jaycees, Maryland Jaycees, Ducks Unlimited-Talbot, Waterfowl Festival, Easton Lions Club, and Easton Elks Club, among others. Jim was a founding member of the 1985 Easton High School Senior Class After Grad Party, still being held today. He was also instrumental in Easton’s inaugural Fourth of July Celebration in 1991. His understanding and love of the Eastern Shore were palpable, as were his love of and pride in his family. A true Eastern Shoreman, Jim loved his country and was a proud Republican, having served eight years as chairman of the Talbot Republican Central Committee. In his spare time, Jim loved to hunt with his trusted Labrador and fish from his boat, “Sell a Lot.” It was especially meaningful to do the things he loved with his son and grandsons. His family remained his greatest pride. There will be a visitation on Friday, January 13, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home at 200 S. Harrison Street in Easton. A Memorial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be made to the Bryan Brothers Foundation, Inc., at P.O. Box 973, Easton, MD 21601 or Compass Regional Hospice at www.compassregionalhospice.org/donate.

R. James "Jim" Latham

July 20, 1942 - January 5, 2023